Concept & Curriculum

THE HIVE CREATES IMMERSIVE ADVENTURES AND PROJECTS
FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS TO EXPLORE, CREATE,
PROBLEM-SOLVE AND COLLABORATE IN THE OUTDOORS

WHAT IS A HIVE MISSION?

Missions for children aged 5.5 – 8 prioritise imagination and learning through make-believe. They are rooted in story-telling and immersive, with children given agency to control the narrative. They feature a broad range of nature skills and are designed to nurture team-working skills. Technology (iPads) is used to enhance the story by adding interactivity, augmented reality and suspense!

Missions for children aged 8-11 combine critical thinking with creativity and lots of learning through doing.They are project-based and introduce more complex nature skills in bushcraft, wild cooking, outdoor building, arts and Earth sciences. The focus is on problem-solving and collaborating to achieve! Learning through trial and error supported by professional tools is also a key part of all missions for this age group. Technology (iPads) is there to enhance the project-based approach.

Missions for teens aged 11-13 are designed to nurture initiative, collaborative learning and decision-making by engaging students in authentic projects. They are encouraged to form their own perspectives and given the freedom to pursue their ideas. Working on real scenarios and based in the outdoors allows teens to stretch their problem-solving skills and practice self-management. These missions are challenging, not just exciting!

WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT THE HIVE

An innovative curriculum rooted in immersive learning. Our approach and missions focus on imagination, project-based learning, collaboration and problem-solving, all in the outdoors. Our missions are bespoke, with over 40 different workshops to choose from.
A rich and diverse group of specialist facilitators who undergo a selective recruitment process. They may be artists, makers, bushcraft experts, architects, filmmakers, Forest School leaders or scientists. Most of our facilitators have postgraduate qualifications in their chosen field, several years of professional experience and the passion and know how to help children achieve.
Problem-solving and independent thinking by learning through trial and error. An opportunity to learn with real tools and to solve real problems by learning through doing, making mistakes and learning from them. At The Hive, children follow the design process and are trusted and supported to use professional equipment, technology and tools.
Collaboration in small groups with a lot of hands-on support. Children work in teams of 8 to 10 with an adult ratio of between 1:2 and 1:8 depending on the type of activity. This small setting allows children to create collectively, build trust and test their team building skills.
Inspiring outdoor spaces that foster creativity, with acres of grounds, fields and woodlands to roam. We have partnerships with leading independent schools, giving us comprehensive access to some of the most beautiful natural school settings in the country.

OUR CURRICULUM

SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding
All our facilitators are DBS checked. Prior to employment, The Hive also asks for proof of all qualifications, as well as two professional references. All staff have to undertake our compulsory in-house safeguarding training.

Technology
To complete our missions, the children are given team iPods or iPads. All tablets are set up to comply with Ofsted school online safety requirements and children are only able to access pre-loaded apps, information and functions linked to the challenges. They're never asked to register, sign-in or share any personal data. More information is available on our Safety Policies page.

Risk assessments
All our equipment and activities are risk assessed, as are the grounds and buildings we use. We also carry out a dynamic risk assessment throughout each mission. Our risk assessment documentation is on site at all times and parents are welcome to look through at drop-off or pick-up. More information is also available on our Safety Policies page.

Ofsted
We are Ofsted registered (registration EY497153). As part of the registration process, we are inspected regularly by Ofsted. Our latest inspection took place in 2016, which we passed with flying colours.

Insurance
We have a £5m Forest School Public Liability Insurance with Birnbeck Insurance, an insurance company specialising in Forest School.

Professional memberships

We are members and adhere to the Code of Conduct of:

THE INSTITUTE FOR OUTDOOR LEARNING
Committed to encouraging Outdoor Learning by developing quality, safety and opportunity to experience outdoor activity provision and by supporting and enhancing the good practice of those who work in the outdoors. IOL aims to promote high professional standards and to develop its members.

THE FOREST SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
The Forest School Association is the professional body and UK wide voice for Forest School, promoting best practice, cohesion and 'quality Forest School for all'. FSA provides information and support to individuals and organisations setting up and running Forest School settings.

THE COUNCIL FOR LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
As the national voice for learning outside the classroom, CLOtC believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.